Socialization of Immigrant Children in Canada: Tips for Parents
More than two years ago, the world was affected by another migration wave. We cannot ignore this situation, as Canada has become one of the countries with a bigger number of new residents. Experts predict that by the end of 2024, the number of Canadian residents will reach 40 million. Of course, this impacts all aspects of life in the country and actively stimulates different types of development. At the same time, immigrant families, most of whom have minor children, face many adaptation problems. Government programs and private initiatives are aimed at helping the new little Canadians adapt as softly as possible. However, it will be valuable for parents to get some advice on making a social adaptation for immigrant children after moving to Canada.
Preparing All Family Members for Moving to Canada
The change of country is one of the most difficult processes for any person. The cross-continental relocation procedure is especially challenging for families with children. In the current realities, it is not always possible to plan the move in detail. But with the help of a qualified calgary immigration consultant, new residents of Canada can get professional assistance in organizing all the necessary stages of relocation, both in terms of documents and general tasks. It is important to talk with your children about their future in the new home country and to explore together the culture and traditions of their chosen region of Canada. Discuss with your kids the steps ahead, give them full confidence that you know exactly what needs to be done, and will be their solid foundation wherever you may find yourself.
Language Learning and Smooth Immersion in a New Community
Depending on which part of Canada you find more attractive for building the future, the languages you will need to learn will vary. Thanks to the multicultural diversity within their communities, the country’s inhabitants speak more than 450 languages. But still, the main languages spoken in the country are English and French. They are the languages of education and document management in different provinces of Canada. Children’s speech experts advise parents to pay attention to language study with their kids as early as possible. Of course, once in a language environment, the child will adapt, and linguistic knowledge will be fast. But language schools and tutors will give the child a speaking base, thanks to which the crisis of social adaptation will be as easy as possible.
A Canadian Babysitter is a Guide to an Unknown Society
After moving to Canada, it will be essential to support your little one as comprehensively as possible. Parents who are just getting into a new country during the first period of stay spend a lot of time dealing with their jobs and necessary issues. It will be perfect to find a local babysitter to be a competent assistant and supportive guide for the kids in their new social environment. Finding a bilingual nanny will not be a problem, especially in big cities in Canadian provinces. She will help the immigrant child to understand the local peculiarities faster, will be their first new trusted contact, and will teach them some specifics and how to build social ties. Besides, the babysitter will also be a help to the parents, giving them relief from many everyday difficulties, sharing responsibilities, and helping them to integrate the new family into a foreign community.
Complete Assistance in School Adaptation
Selecting a school for immigrant children is a complex but necessary step. We can assure you that Canada’s educational environment focuses on the intercultural diversity of children and provides all possible integration tools that are specially prepared to fully support new residents. Both municipal schools and private institutions have adaptation programs. Even many kindergartens promote multilingual cooperation and soft adaptation for immigrant babies. It is recommended to choose schools for children with maximum accessibility and attention to the teaching system. Some schools have integration classes and extra language classes for newcomers. Psychological support services cooperate fully with teachers and parents to help children avoid difficult crises and socialize as comfortably as possible.
Emotional Support and Open Communication in the Family
After a country change, children can experience leaving their comfort zone and the loss of familiar supports much more intensely than adults. This directly influences their flexibility and trust in the new society. Even before the move, parents should try to build trusting and open relationships within the family, where children can feel completely safe and emotionally secure. Open talks, sharing of experiences, and mutual support, which adults demonstrate, are automatically transferred to children. Parental attention, praise, and support for even the smallest of progress in a child’s integration into Canada will add to their self-confidence to be able to cope with the integration period, learn the language, manage their studies, find friends and become a full-fledged resident of the new community.